The curse mark!
Jiraiya quickly opened the man's mouth.
Sure enough, a strange and eerie curse mark appeared on his tongue.
Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.
This was the mark of the Root organization, but at this time, Root had not yet surfaced. It was a force secretly established by Danzo under the guise of "ANBU training units."
However.
The people they had just encountered hadn't used any of Konoha's signature techniques, making it impossible to identify their origins based on their abilities.
Kyohiko couldn't reveal their background.
Jiraiya examined the man repeatedly, but suddenly, the man's body trembled, and black blood spilled from his mouth.
Kyohiko immediately knelt down to check.
A deadly poison!
Aburame Shibi raised his hand, and a swarm of poison-neutralizing kikaichu flew out.
Seeing this, Kyohiko quickly formed hand seals and used the Mystical Palm Technique to maintain the man's vitality. The poison-neutralizing kikaichu died in batches, but the man's condition showed no signs of improvement.
"He's beyond saving."
Aburame Shibi called back the remaining poison-neutralizing kikaichu, clearly distressed.
Poison-neutralizing kikaichu were difficult to cultivate, and losing so many here meant he'd have to spend more time and effort to replenish them.
"Right."
Kyohiko nodded.
The poison was too potent!
Even if he wanted to save the man, there was nothing he could do.
"Such terrifying control methods—curse marks, poison, and an unwavering resolve to die. These ninja…"
Jiraiya fell silent.
The man's face was unfamiliar, not someone he recognized from Konoha.
But he felt it was Danzo's doing.
A gut feeling.
Moreover.
In the Land of Fire, who else but Danzo could command such forces?
Additionally, back in the Land of Hot Springs…
The debts were piling up, forcing Jiraiya to think more deeply.
A fierce light flashed in his eyes.
Danzo!
"Jiraiya-sama, what should we…"
"I'll handle it. You all take the others back first."
He glanced into the cave.
The girl was looking at them timidly, her eyes filled with fear.
"Let's return to Konoha first."
Jiraiya glanced at her and couldn't help but sigh inwardly—
Uzumaki Yuki had little trust in Konoha to begin with, and now it would be even harder to gain her confidence. It would likely take some time for her to adjust.
Danzo was truly a troublemaker.
To deal with his own people, he sent out over a dozen jonin and numerous elites…
How despicable and hateful!
"They…"
Aburame Shibi and Inuzuka Tsume looked at the unconscious Minato and Choza, hesitating.
Although the two of them weren't injured and were in slightly better condition, they had also expended a lot of chakra and weren't suited to carrying the others.
What if they encountered enemies on the way…
They glanced at Kyohiko and Kakashi.
These two kids.
They were strong, no doubt—otherwise, they wouldn't have become Jiraiya's students and been allowed to participate in such a mission. But they were still children, and carrying two adults would be difficult.
Jiraiya said, "I'll use summoning creatures to carry them."
With that, he bit his finger and summoned Iron Arm Toad and another robust but smaller toad, each carrying one of the unconscious ninja.
"We're in border territory. The longer we stay, the more dangerous it gets."
Jiraiya's expression was serious.
He didn't have many people he could trust, which was why he had called on Kyohiko and Kakashi for help.
If enemies arrived again, he, Kyohiko, and Kakashi would be fine, but the unconscious Minato and Choza might not be so lucky.
"Understood!"
Inuzuka Tsume turned to Shiba. "Can you move? If so, please lead the way."
"Woof!"
The giant dog barked and then ran outside to wait.
Jiraiya used a sealing scroll to store the bodies.
Inuzuka Tsume watched, secretly amazed.
He could tell…
Some of the bodies were killed by Jiraiya, but others weren't. Those had all been killed with a single, precise strike—swift and decisive.
Swordsmanship!
He glanced at the sword on Kakashi's back.
"You're the White Fang's son?"
"My name is Hatake Kakashi."
Kakashi replied.
Inuzuka Tsume sighed almost imperceptibly, then praised, "Your swordsmanship is impressive!"
"I only killed two. The rest were killed by Kyohiko."
Kakashi said.
"Kyohiko?"
Inuzuka Tsume looked at the other child.
Huh?
He couldn't hide his astonishment, asking incredulously, "Aren't you a medical ninja?"
"No, I just learned the Mystical Palm Technique on the side."
Kyohiko answered.
Inuzuka Tsume was at a loss for words.
On the side?!!
In Konoha, only a few ninja had the ability to become medical ninja, and even fewer could master the Mystical Palm Technique.
And yet.
This eight-year-old kid had casually learned it and was already so proficient.
He looked as if he'd seen a ghost.
Jiraiya laughed. "Hahaha, Kyohiko's best skill is the Body Flicker Technique. He really did just pick up medical ninjutsu on the side, but it came in handy this time."
"The younger generation these days is truly remarkable!"
Aburame Shibi suddenly remarked.
Jiraiya was startled and turned to see Shibi standing on his other side. The man was dressed entirely in black, with only his facial features visible. In the darkness, he was almost impossible to notice.
So stealthy, it's terrifying!
"You're only about ten years older than them, right?"
Inuzuka Tsume quipped.
Aburame Shibi nodded. "That's true, but compared to these two… I feel old."
At eight years old.
When he was eight, he hadn't been anywhere near this strong!
Compared to them, Kakashi was already a chunin and quite skilled among chunin. As for Kyohiko, judging by the evidence at the scene and his earlier performance, he might even be jonin-level.
Truly, one was more impressive than the other.
They couldn't help but marvel.
With more people around, especially with Jiraiya—a legendary figure—present, the journey back was somewhat easier.
Minato woke up halfway.
He wasn't injured, just exhausted from chakra depletion.
After some discussion, Kyohiko listened from the side and pieced together the general sequence of events.
To avoid conflict, they had taken a detour back to the Land of Fire.
Along the way, they had encountered some Kusagakure and Iwagakure ninja, all of whom they had avoided. But once they entered the Land of Fire, they were ambushed by another group.
Their target was clearly Uzumaki Yuki.
Throughout the entire journey, Uzumaki Yuki remained silent, not uttering a single word.
As they neared Konoha, the group stopped to rest.
Uzumaki Yuki's face turned red as she looked around, and Kakashi immediately became alert.
Kyohiko quietly spread his chakra, using the morning mist to sense the fluctuations around her. After understanding the situation, he made a subtle hand signal to Kakashi to stand down.
Kakashi obeyed and immediately relaxed his grip on his sword.
Kyohiko said, "Teacher, I'll take her to handle something."
"Huh?"
Jiraiya was momentarily confused, then suddenly understood and nodded. "Go ahead, but don't go too far."
"Understood."
Kyohiko stood up, and Uzumaki Yuki followed behind him, head lowered.
After walking a distance, they reached a dense thicket near a river. Kyohiko said, "This is as far as we can go. Any further would be unsafe."
Then, he handed her some paper.
It wasn't proper toilet paper, but it was better than leaves.
"Thank you."
Uzumaki Yuki's face was red as she took the paper and quickly disappeared into the bushes.
Her voice was hoarse and not very pleasant, likely because she hadn't had water in a while.
After a while, she walked out slowly.
On the way back, Kyohiko asked, "Your name is Uzumaki Yuki, right?"
The girl glanced at him but remained silent.
"Perhaps you have some misunderstandings about Konoha, or there are things we don't know about your situation. But right now, if you stay in Kusagakure, with your constitution and abilities, you might not last more than a few years. If war breaks out… you might not even live long enough to raise your child."
Kyohiko spoke slowly. "Including your child—if she inherits your constitution, her life will likely be the same."
At this, the girl finally looked up.
"What are you trying to say?"
Willing to talk?
Good.
Kyohiko said, "What I mean is, Konoha might not be the best, but for you, it's certainly not the worst. At least here, there are people who will protect you, and you have your clan here. You won't be alone."
The girl fell silent again.
No Choice!
If the other party is determined not to communicate, no amount of eloquence or reasoning will make a difference.
Take it slow.
Kyohiko prepared to continue walking forward.
At that moment, the girl suddenly spoke up. "No difference."
"Huh?"
"Coming to Konoha… still means death."
She lowered her head, speaking softly.
Perhaps because Kyohiko was just a child, she wasn't as resistant. Or maybe it was because he had helped her earlier that she was willing to talk.
"Why?"
Kyohiko was inwardly shaken and couldn't help but stop in his tracks.
At the same time, he heard the rustling of leaves in the shadows.
It was probably Jiraiya.
He was hiding in the direction they had come from.
If something went wrong here, he could quickly come to their aid.
The girl shook her head. "I don't know. The elder said so."
Elder?
Kyohiko was surprised but couldn't respond.
The fall of Uzushiogakure was something he couldn't fully comprehend, and he wasn't sure what role Konoha had played in it.
The Third Hokage and Danzo's credibility was practically zero in his eyes. He found it hard to believe they had nothing to do with it. The truth of what happened back then was likely known only to those directly involved.
"Then how did you end up in the Land of Grass?"
"I clung to a wooden plank and drifted to the shore. Later, I found out it was the Land of Hot Springs. After that, I wandered all the way to the Land of Grass, where I was captured by ninja from Kusagakure."
Uzumaki Yuki answered.
Kyohiko thought for a moment.
Among the survivors of the Uzumaki clan, not a single one had fled to Konoha. Perhaps this elder had something to do with it?
The annihilation of Uzushiogakure…
What roles did Konoha, the other villages, and Madara play in this disaster?
Kyohiko frowned.
This was complicated!
"I don't know what happened in Uzushiogakure, but I believe Tsunade-sama and Kushina-senpai will protect you. If you stay in Konoha, you won't have to worry about being captured and used to heal others…"
Kyohiko tried to reassure her.
The girl didn't respond, just kept walking.
Perhaps she had resigned herself to her fate.
In the morning, the warm sunlight filtered through the hazy leaves.
The group set off again.
Jiraiya noticed that while Uzumaki Yuki still didn't engage in conversation, she was more cooperative, eating and traveling without complaint.
Originally, with her pace, it might have taken another two hours, but they managed to make it in just one.
The Uzumaki clan's physical stamina was indeed far superior to ordinary people!
In the distance, the gates of Konoha came into view.
Kyohiko pointed ahead.
"That's our village, Konoha."
"Konoha."
A complex expression crossed Uzumaki Yuki's face.
At the gate, Jiraiya and Minato each handled the registration, documenting everyone's entry.
Jiraiya smiled. "Thank you all for your hard work. I'll take care of the rest. You can go and rest now."
"Sensei, let me help you."
Minato said.
Jiraiya shook his head. "No need. Take Yuki home and let her meet Kushina. They can talk."
As he spoke, he approached and patted Minato's shoulder.
"You might have a busy time ahead."
"It's no trouble."
Minato was about to say more when suddenly, an ANBU ninja appeared in a flash.
He immediately fell silent.
The ANBU ninja spoke in a low voice.
"Jiraiya, Kyohiko, the Third Hokage summons you."
"Huh?"
Jiraiya was stunned and looked at Kyohiko.
Kyohiko too?
What does the old man want?
He frowned.
Kyohiko, however, stepped forward and immediately asked, "Right now?"
Kakashi stood by his side.
"Yes."
The ANBU ninja nodded.
Jiraiya couldn't refuse, so he nodded. "We'll go right away."
"Understood!"
The ANBU ninja gave a slight bow and then vanished in an instant.
Jiraiya sighed.
Originally, he had planned to handle this matter alone, but it seemed the old man wasn't too pleased with that.
"Sensei, maybe it's about the results of the chunin exams."
Kyohiko reassured him.
Jiraiya had been butting heads with the Third Hokage too often lately, and it seemed to be making him overly tense.
"Right, maybe starting today, you'll be a chunin. Hahaha."
Jiraiya laughed a few times, then instructed Minato to settle Uzumaki Yuki properly. After some thought, he pulled Minato aside and whispered a few things.
From what Kyohiko "overheard," part of it was about Uzumaki Yuki, and the other part was about having Minato help train Kakashi.
Then, he took Kyohiko to the Hokage's office.
…
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, holding an intelligence scroll.
"Knock knock knock!"
The door sounded.
He relaxed his expression and called out, "Come in. The door's unlocked."
The door opened, and Jiraiya led Kyohiko inside.
"Sensei."
"Hokage-sama!"
Kyohiko gave a slight bow.
Hiruzen smiled and said, "Kyohiko, this is the second time we've met face-to-face."
"Hokage-sama, it's an honor."
Kyohiko was respectful.
Hiruzen smiled and pointed to two chairs in the room.
"Take a seat. Jiraiya, relax. This is good news."
He knew some of Jiraiya's habits.
Right now, Jiraiya was tense all over, like a protective beast, which was quite intimidating.
Hiruzen exhaled and said, "First, regarding the chunin exams. After careful discussion and evaluation, Kyohiko, your strength and overall abilities have reached jonin level. Therefore, you've been promoted to jonin."
"What?"
Jiraiya, who had just sat down, shot back up.
Jonin?
He couldn't believe it.
Although Kyohiko was indeed strong, he was too young. How could he directly become a jonin?
This was like putting him on a pedestal to roast!
"Kyohiko's performance in the chunin exams was outstanding. Not only did our village praise him, but other villages also highly commended him, claiming he was already qualified to be a jonin. Even the Daimyo himself sent a letter praising him…"
Hiruzen explained, his tone filled with helplessness.
Even the Daimyo knew about this?
Jiraiya sat down, speechless for a long time.
Kyohiko stood up. "Thank you for the recognition from the Daimyo and the Hokage. I will continue to work hard."
"Hahaha, if you work any harder as a jonin, you'll be aiming for Hokage next!"
Hiruzen laughed.
Kyohiko replied calmly, "Every ninja in Konoha should aspire to become Hokage."
"Oh?"
Hiruzen paused, curious. "Why is that?"
"The Hokage is a leader elected by the ninja of Konoha to govern the village. They represent the trust and recognition of the villagers. The First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and you are all such leaders."
Kyohiko answered.
"Hahahaha!"
Hiruzen burst into laughter, almost dropping the scroll in his hand.
After laughing for a while, he sighed deeply.
"How rare! I thought you young people would look down on us old folks…"
He glanced at Jiraiya.
No one dared to respond to that.
Kyohiko and Jiraiya silently pretended to be dead.
Hiruzen didn't press for an answer but continued, "Kyohiko, becoming a jonin at your age is both an honor and a risk. Jonin missions are more difficult and dangerous. Do you understand?"
"I understand very well."
Kyohiko nodded.
Hiruzen nodded as well, then said, "I heard that the information about the Uzumaki clan was also discovered by you?"
"Yes."
Kyohiko reported truthfully.
Hiruzen listened carefully, then asked, "During the chunin exams, you fought against the Two-Tails Jinchūriki?"
"I don't know much about Jinchūriki, but Nii Yugito seems to be able to use the Tailed Beast's chakra to form a special chakra cloak. In this state, her speed and strength increase significantly…"
Although he wasn't sure why the Third Hokage was asking, Kyohiko still explained the situation in detail.
"I heard that our village's Jinchūriki usually use sealing techniques to control the Tailed Beasts?"
"Correct."
Hiruzen nodded.
As a jonin, Kyohiko was now qualified to know some of these things, so Hiruzen didn't avoid the topic.
Most importantly, he needed Kyohiko's firsthand impressions.
Then, he handed over the intelligence scroll.
"Take a look at this."
"Yes!"
Kyohiko took it.
It contained information about the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer Bee, and the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, Nii Yugito.
After reading it, he passed it to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya finished reading.
"Sensei, who is Killer Bee's partner?"
"The Third Raikage's son."
Hiruzen answered.
Kyohiko waited for a while before saying, "Hokage-sama, I feel that their approach and mindset toward Jinchūriki might be different from ours. They might be trying to further utilize the Tailed Beasts."
"Is that so?"
Hiruzen took back the intelligence scroll.
"I've had similar thoughts. So, in your opinion, should we also try to do the same?"
"The situation is different. The power of the Nine-Tails and the Eight-Tails far exceeds that of the Two-Tails. We absolutely cannot follow their approach."
Kyohiko answered without hesitation.
Hiruzen was momentarily stunned, then put away the scroll.
"I see."
He paused for a moment.
"Tell me about this mission."
Jiraiya hesitated slightly but truthfully recounted what had happened.
Hiruzen was first surprised, then frowned deeply.
Finally, his expression became calm.
"I understand. You've worked hard. Go and rest now."
"Yes."
Kyohiko stood up.
Jiraiya didn't plan to leave but gave Kyohiko a look, so Kyohiko didn't linger.
After Kyohiko left.
"Old man, how do you plan to handle Kyohiko?"
An 8-year-old jonin—unprecedented.
How to assign and manage him?
If not handled properly, Kyohiko might face a situation similar to Kakashi's.
"Don't worry, I won't mistreat your student. Besides, your team was going to be split up anyway."
"Why?"
"Yuhi Kurenai has officially been taken as Tsunade's disciple. She'll need to follow Tsunade for training in the coming period. How could she have time to go on missions with you?"
Hiruzen tossed him an application.
It was a temporary transfer request Tsunade had submitted regarding Kurenai.
"Huh?"
Jiraiya was dumbfounded.
He really didn't know about this!
Tsunade actually took Kurenai as her disciple?
"Minato is very capable, but he lacks teaching and leadership experience. My current idea is to have Kyohiko, Kakashi, Might Gai, and Minato form an elite team to take on A-rank missions together."
Hiruzen revealed his plan.
"Might Gai?"
Jiraiya frowned. "Isn't that too early for him?"
He acknowledged Gai's talent.
But.
Compared to Minato and Kyohiko, Might Gai's abilities and strength were somewhat lacking. He might not survive high-difficulty A-rank missions.
"He's a hardworking kid. With Minato and Kyohiko supporting him, taking on A-rank missions shouldn't be a problem. Besides, Kyohiko is good at guiding others. They can learn and grow together."
"Alright, I have no objections then."